WORK AND PENSIONS

Children: Maintenance

Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  how much is currently owed in arrears in cases managed by the Child Support Agency;
	(2)  what steps he is taking to reduce the amount owed in arrears in cases managed by the Child Support Agency.

Steve Webb: Child maintenance arrears accumulated since 1993 currently stand at £3.867 billion (as at June 2013). This information is routinely published in the Child Support Agency Quarterly Summary of Statistics which can be found at the following link:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/232316/csa-qtr-summ-stats-jun13.pdf
	In January 2013, we published the ‘Child Maintenance —Arrears and Compliance Strategy 2012-17’. The strategy includes several proposed collection initiatives, both planned and under way, to tackle the historical arrears and ensure the overall balance either remains stable or decreases over time.
	Our priority is to do all we can today to keep money flowing to children who will benefit from regular ongoing child maintenance now.
	The Arrears and Compliance Strategy 2012-17 can be found at the following link:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/214338/cm-arrears-and-compliance-strategy-2012-2017.pdf

Children: Maintenance

Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  how many cases are being managed by the Child Support Agency; and how many such cases have payments which are in arrears;
	(2)  in what proportion of the Child Support Agency cases that are in arrears (a) the arrears are being actively repaid, (b) the arrears have been temporarily suspended and (c) payments have never been received.

Steve Webb: In the quarter to June 2013, the total number of live and assessed cases managed by the Child support Agency was 1,117,400. Of these:
	799,000 have outstanding child maintenance arrears, 15% of which are actively being repaid; and
	49% of cases with outstanding maintenance arrears include arrears that have been suspended.
	Information on the number of cases in arrears where payments have never been received is not available as it is not routinely recorded for management information purposes. To provide this information would require the creation of new information which cannot be completed and appropriately assured without exceeding the appropriate cost limit.

Children: Maintenance

Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many applications the Child Support Agency has made to court for (a) liability orders, (b) deduction orders, (c) deduction of earnings orders, (d) third party debt orders and (e) charging orders in each of the last five years.

Steve Webb: The following table sets out the number of enforcement actions taken in each of the last five years. Of the five types of enforcement action included within the table, only three require an application to be made to the court. These are: Liability Orders; Third Party Debt Orders; and Charging Orders.
	
		
			 Applications April 2008 to March 2009 April 2009 to March 2010 April 2010 to March 2011 April 2011 to March 2012 April 2012 to March 2013 
			 Liability Orders 28,360 26,830 19,365 19,390 19,415 
			 Deduction Orders — 1,795 4,355 3,980 5,250 
			 DEO/R 66,705 64,835 63,060 62,740 61,890 
			 Third Party Debt Orders 2,395 1,235 — — — 
			 Charging Orders 2,480 2,800 2,210 3,235 2,415 
			 Notes: 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest five cases. 2. '—' represents a figure of less than five. 
		
	
	In April 2010 the focus switched from Third Party Debt Orders to Deduction Orders as the means to recover arrears of child maintenance from bank accounts. This switch was made following the introduction of deduction orders in the Child Maintenance and Other Payments Act 2008, which enabled the recovery of arrears from a bank account without first applying for a Third Party Debt Order through the county courts.

Children: Maintenance

Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for what proportion of Child Support Agency cases that are in arrears the Agency has sought an enforcement order.

Steve Webb: The information requested cannot be provided without incurring disproportionate cost.

Employment and Support Allowance

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 12 September 2013, Official Report, column 829-30W, on employment and support allowance, what categories of prognosis have been adopted by his Department; when these categories were adopted; what guidance has been issued on determining the circumstances in which a health condition falls into a particular category; and what the evidential basis is for the selection of each category.

Michael Penning: The categories of prognosis that a health care professional can advise as part of the Work Capability Assessment, which have been in place since the introduction of employment and support allowance (JSA) in 2008, are:
	I advise that work could be considered within:
	three months
	six months
	12 months
	18 months
	I advise that work is unlikely:
	Within two years
	In the longer-term
	Decision makers use the health care professional's advice on prognosis to determine when the claimant should be reassessed. Guidance on prognosis is contained in the WCA handbook for health care professionals. This is on page131 here:
	http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/wca-handbook.pdf
	The health care professional bases their prognosis advice on their assessment of the claimant, their knowledge of the natural progression of the identified medical conditions, and the time they feel a claimant may need to adapt to their condition.
	In compiling the response to this question it has come to my attention that the answer to your previous question, 12 September 2013, Official Report, column 829-30W, may be unclear. As the above information shows, there is a prognosis advising that work is unlikely in the longer-term but, as the previous answer stated, there is no such prognosis as being unable to return to work in the longer-term. The figures quoted in the previous answer for "claimants with prognosis of two years or more" do however relate to the "I advise that work is unlikely in the longer term" category. I would like to apologise for any confusion this may have caused.

Employment and Support Allowance

John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will bring forward a legislative and regulatory reform order to remove the burden whereby people whose employment and support allowance comes to an end are required to formally claim jobseeker's allowance (JSA) enabling the automatic provision of JSA to appropriate cases.

Esther McVey: People who are entitled to employment and support allowance (ESA) are not automatically entitled to jobseeker's allowance (JSA) as the conditions of entitlement are different.
	Where claimants are no longer entitled to ESA they are provided with full details of how to make a new claim for JSA if they so choose.
	As part of making a claim for JSA, claimants are expected to attend a work focused interview in order to show that they can satisfy the labour market requirements.

Housing Benefit

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many recipients of housing benefit were (a) unemployed and (b) employed in each region of the UK in each of the last three years.

Steve Webb: The economic status of all housing benefit (HB) recipients is not available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	The Information requested is only available for HB recipients whose claim is not passported: that is for those who do not receive either income support, jobseeker’s allowance (income-based), employment and support allowance (income-based), or pension credit (guaranteed credit).
	This information can be found at:
	https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk
	Guidance on how to extract the information required can be found at:
	https://sw.stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/Stat-Xplore_User_Guide.htm
	Information for Northern Ireland is the responsibility of the Department for Social Development. Northern Ireland statistics can be found at:
	http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/index/stats_and_research/benefit_publications.htm

Jobseeker's Allowance

David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will bring forward legislative proposals to allow claimants to study further education courses which are designated as full-time whilst still actively seeking employment.

Esther McVey: All claimants can attend up to two weeks of full-time further education or training in any 12 month period, with the agreement of their Jobcentre adviser. In addition, claimants who have been on jobseeker's allowance for six months or more can undertake full time further education or training for a maximum of eight weeks where skills needs are a barrier to getting into work. There are currently no plans to extend the length of training longer than eight weeks.

Minimum Wage

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many (a) prosecutions and (b) cautions for not paying the minimum wage there were in each UK constituency by region ranked in descending order in each of the last three years.

David Gauke: I have been asked to reply 
	on behalf of the Treasury.
	The Government takes the enforcement of NMW very seriously and HMRC review every complaint that is referred to them, investigating the complaint and, in addition, carrying out targeted enforcement where we identify a high risk of non-payment of NMW.
	There have been two successful criminal prosecutions pursued in the last four years, both under this Government.
	HMRC does not keep statistics at constituency level, but the location of the employers is included in the following table.
	
		
			  Number of prosecutions Employer location 
			 2009-10 0 — 
			 2010-11 1 Liverpool 
			 2011-12 0 — 
			 2012-13 1 London 
		
	
	The value of penalties charged for the four years is as follows:
	
		
			  Penalties charged 
			 Financial year Number Value (£) 
			 2009-10 381 111,183 
			 2010-11 934 520,568 
			 2011-12 906 766,807 
			 2012-13 647 709,136 
		
	
	The value of penalties charged has increased by 41% between 2009-10 and 2012-13.

New Businesses: Unemployed People

Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what support his Department provides to assist long-term unemployed people with starting their own business.

Esther McVey: The new enterprise allowance helps unemployed people who want to start their own business. It provides access to business mentoring and financial support. The financial support consists of a weekly allowance payable over 26 weeks worth up to £1,274. If participants need start-up capital they may also apply for an unsecured loan through the BIS start-up loan scheme.
	Other self-employment support is available through the Work Programme. Once a claimant starts the Work Programme, the provider has the flexibility and freedom to consider the most appropriate route to help the individual return to work, including self-employment advice and support.

Part-time Employment

Owen Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what comparative assessment he has made of the number of part-time workers working part-time because they cannot find a full-time job in (a) Wales and (b) each region and nation of the UK.

Nick Hurd: I have been asked to reply 
	on behalf of the Cabinet Office.
	The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Joe Grice, dated October 2013
	In the absence of the Director General for the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking for the number of part-time workers working part-time because they cannot find a full-time job in (a) Wales and (b) each region and nation of the UK. (172135)
	Employment statistics for local areas are calculated from the Annual Population Survey (APS). Table 1 shows estimates of the number of people who have stated that they are working part-time because they could not find a full-time job in each region and country of the UK. However, this does not necessarily show that they actively sought full-time work during the period in question. These estimates are compiled from APS interviews held during the period July 2012 to June 2013, the latest period available.
	National and local area estimates for many labour market statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant count are available on the NOMIS website at:
	http://www.nomisweb.co.uk
	
		
			 Table 1: Number of part-time workers working part-time because they could not find a full-time job in each region and country of the UK—12 months ending June 2013 
			 Thousand 
			 North East **70 
			 North West *153 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber **118 
			 East Midlands **102 
			 West Midlands **123 
			 East **110 
			 London *200 
			 South East *149 
			 South West **107 
			 Wales *65 
			 Scotland *115 
			 Northern Ireland **47 
			 Guide to Quality: The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of an estimate, the smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV - for example, for an estimate of 200 with a CV of 5% we would expect the population total to be within the range 180-220. Key: * 0 = CV <5%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered precise ** 5 = CV <10%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered reasonably precise *** 10 = CV <20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered acceptable **** CV = 20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered too unreliable for practical purposes Source: Annual Population Survey

Poverty

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many and what proportion of people in work were living in poverty in each parliamentary constituency in each of the last 30 years.

Esther McVey: Data is not available on the number or percentage of individuals in work and in relative low income at constituency level. This data is not collected at constituency level as the sample size would not be sufficient to produce robust estimates.
	
		
			 Number of individuals in households where at least one person is in work, and that are in relative low-income, both Before Housing Costs (BHC) and After Housing Costs (AHC), UK, 1994-95 to 2011-12 
			  Number BHC (million) Number AHC (million) Percentage BHC Percentage AHC 
			 1994-95 3.3 4.3 9 12 
			 1995-96 3.1 4.3 8 12 
			 1996-97 3.7 5.0 10 13 
			 1997-98 4.1 5.3 11 14 
			 1998-99 4.0 5.4 10 14 
			 1999-2000 4.1 5.3 10 14 
			 2000-01 3.8 5.3 10 14 
			 2001-02 3.8 5.1 10 13 
			 2002-03 4.0 5.4 10 13 
			 2003-04 4.0 5.2 10 13 
			 2004-05 3.9 5.4 10 13 
			 2005-06 4.3 6.0 10 14 
			 2006-07 4.3 6.2 10 15 
			 2007-08 4.5 6.5 11 15 
			 2008-09 4.7 6.7 11 16 
			 2009-10 4.4 6.4 10 15 
			  
			 2010-11 4.3 6.3 10 15 
			 2011-12 4.6 6.7 11 15 
		
	
	The table above gives the number of individuals living in households where at least one person is in work, and that are in relative low income; and the percentage of individuals living in households where at least one person is in work that are in relative low-income; both Before Housing Costs (BHC) and After Housing Costs (AHC), in the UK, between 1994-95 and 2011-12.
	Notes:
	1. The figures above are from Households Below Average Income (HBAI), which is sourced from the Family Resources Survey. The latest publication of HBAI can be found using the following link:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/206778/full_hbai13.pdf
	2. Someone is considered to be in relative low-income if they live in a household whose income is below 60% of median income for all households. Median income is the income of the household in the middle of the income distribution. Household income is equivalised, which means that income is adjusted for the size and composition of the household; and household income is also deflated, which means that income is adjusted for changes in inflation.
	3. In Household Below Average Income, a household is defined as a single person or group of people living at the same address as their only or main residence, who either share one meal together or share the living accommodation. This differs from a benefit unit (family), which is defined as a single adult or a married or cohabiting couple, plus any dependent children. From January 2006 same-sex partners (civil partners and cohabitees) are also included in the same benefit unit. A household will consist of one or more benefit units.
	4. BHC refers to income before housing costs have been deducted; while AHC refers to income after housing costs have been deducted. Housing costs include; rent (gross of housing benefit); water rates, community water charges and council water charges; mortgage interest payments; structural insurance premiums (for owner occupiers); ground rent and service charges.
	5. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 1% and to the nearest 100,000 people. Estimates based on survey data are subject to uncertainty; and are subject to sampling error. Figures may not sum due to rounding error.

Poverty

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the change has been in the number and proportion of people who lived in poverty from (a) 1997 to 2010 and (b) 2010 to date; and if he will make a statement.

Esther McVey: The information is as follows.
	
		
			 Number and percentage of individuals in relative low-income both Before Housing Costs (BHC) and After Housing Costs (AHC), 1997-98, 2010-11, and 2011-12 
			  Number BHC (million) Number AHC (million) Percentage BHC Percentage AHC 
			 1997-98 10.9 13.6 20 24 
			 2010-11 9.8 13.0 16 21 
			 2011-12 9.8 13.0 16 21 
			      
			 Change from 1997-98 to 2010-11 -1.1 -0.6 -3 -3 
			  
			 Change from 2010-11 to 2011-12 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
		
	
	The table above gives the number and percentage of individuals in relative low-income in the UK, in 1997-98, 2010-11, and 2011-12, which is the latest year for which data is available. Figures are presented on a Before Housing Costs (BHC) and After Housing costs (AHC) basis.
	Between 1997-98 and 2010-11 the number of individuals in relative low-income fell by 1.1 million BHC and by 0.6 million AHC. While the percentage of individuals in relative low-income fell by three percentage points BHC and by three percentage points AHC. Figures are rounded to the nearest 100,000 people and the nearest 1% and may not sum due to rounding.
	There was no change in the number or percentage of individuals in relative low income between 2010-11 and 2011-12.
	Notes:
	1. The Figures above are from Households Below Average Income (HBAI), which is sourced from the Family Resources Survey. The number of individuals in relative low-income, both BHC and AHC, can be found on page 60 of the latest HBAI publication; while the percentage of individuals in relative low-income can be found on page 58 of the latest publication of HBAI. The latest publication of HBAI can be found using the following link:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/206778/full_hbai13.pdf
	2. Someone is considered to be in relative low-income if they live in a household whose income is below 60% of median income for all households. Median income is the income of the household in the middle of the income distribution. Household income is equivalised, which means that income is adjusted for the size and composition of the household; and household income is also deflated, which means that income is adjusted for changes in inflation.
	3. In Household Below Average income, a household is defined as a single person or group of people living at the same address as their only or main residence, who either share one meal together or share the living accommodation. This differs from a benefit unit (family), which is defined as a single adult or a married or cohabiting couple, plus any dependent children. From January 2006 same-sex partners (civil partners and cohabitees) are also included in the same benefit unit. A household will consist of one or more benefit units.
	4. BHC refers to income before housing costs have been deducted; while AHC refers to income after housing costs have been deducted. Housing costs include; rent (gross of housing benefit); water rates, community water charges and council water charges; mortgage interest payments; structural insurance premiums (for owner occupiers); ground rent and service charges.
	5. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 1% and to the nearest 100,000 people. Estimates based on survey data are subject to uncertainty; and are subject to sampling error. Figures may not sum due to rounding error.

Social Security Benefits

Dave Watts: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  if he will publish the annual cost of all benefits paid to people classed as (a) unemployed, (b) pensioners and (c) in work in the last five years;
	(2)  what proportion of the welfare budget was spent on (a) the unemployed, (b) pensioners and (c) those in work in each of the last five years.

Michael Penning: The information you requested is in the following tables. The figures represent only spending of the Department for Work Pensions. Tax credit and child benefit payments are a matter for Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs and are not included in these figures. Figures cover Great Britain only—expenditure in Northern Ireland is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive.
	
		
			 £ million (cash) 
			  (a) Unemployed (b) Pensioners (c) Working Total benefit spending 
			 2007-08 3,800 83,181 5,551 125,909 
			 2008-09 4,812 90,306 6,442 135,359 
			 2009-10 7,932 96,529 7,559 147,583 
			 2010-11 8,104 100,261 8,135 152,919 
			 2011-12 8,917 104,104 8,421 158,553 
		
	
	
		
			 £ million (real terms 2013-14 prices) 
			  (a) Unemployed (b) Pensioners (c) Working Total benefit spending 
			 2007-08 4,313 94,412 6,300 142,910 
			 2008-09 5,316 99,777 7,117 149,555 
			 2009-10 8,634 105,072 8,228 160,643 
			 2010-11 8,578 106,117 8,611 161,851 
			 2011-12 9,240 107,883 8,727 164,308 
		
	
	
		
			 Proportion of total benefit expenditure (%) 
			  (a) Unemployed (b) Pensioners (c) Working (a) to (c) as % of total benefit spending 
			 2007-08 3.0 66.1 4.4 73.5 
			 2008-09 3.6 66.7 4.8 75.0 
			 2009-10 5.4 65.4 5.1 75.9 
			 2010-11 5.3 65.6 5.3 76.2 
			 2011-12 5.6 65.7 5.3 76.6 
			 Notes: 1. Expenditure for the unemployed, pensioners and people who are working do not make up all benefit spending and therefore do not sum to total benefit spending shown. 2.Spending on those who are working is derived from a combination of DWP expenditure and the Family Resources Survey information, with estimates of those working based on benefit units containing people who are working for one hour or more per week and therefore will include spending on people who are unemployed or pensioners covered in the previous columns. 3. The figures from the Family Resources Survey are based on a sample of households which have been adjusted for non-response using multi-purpose grossing factors which align the Family Resources Survey to former Government Office Region population by age and sex. Estimates are subject to sampling error and remaining non-response error. Sources: (a) and (b): DWP benefit expenditure tables, Budget 2013 and can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/benefit-expenditure -tables Unemployed expenditure is based on spending for jobseeker's allowance, housing benefit for jobseekers, and council tax benefit for jobseekers. Pensioner spending is as shown in Tables 2a and 2b at the same location.

Social Security Benefits: Disqualification

Andy Sawford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what guidance his Department has given to local job centres on sanctioning claimants where the only work offered is on a zero hours contract.

Esther McVey: Written guidance to jobcentres on the subject of zero hours contracts and sanctions states
	'Claimants cannot be mandated to apply for vacancies which include a zero hours contract'.
	Therefore, if a claimant refuses or fails to apply for or accept a notified zero hours contract job, a decision by the labour market decision maker is not required.

Telephone Services

Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what geographic telephone number his Department advertises for use by the general public.

Esther McVey: The Department provides the following geographic telephone numbers to ensure that eligible claimants living outside the UK have access to the respective services.
	
		
			 Service Telephone number 
			 Pension Tracing Service 0191 215 4491 
			 International Pension Centre 0191 218 7777 
			 Future Pensions Centre—Overseas 0191 218 3600 
			 Winter Fuel Claim Line 0191 218 7610 
			 Debt Management 0161 904 1233 
			 European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) Enquiries 0191 218 1999 
		
	
	In addition to the above, Debt Management also operates a geographic telephone number for the Compensation Recovery Unit for calls regarding benefit recovery. This number is 0191 225 2383.
	The Department uses a combination of 0800 and 0845 telephone numbers for benefits which can only be claimed by and paid to claimants living in the United Kingdom.
	DWP will be introducing 0345 telephone numbers to run alongside current 0845 telephone numbers. This will allow callers to make a choice based on the arrangement with their telephony provider. A timetable is currently being developed for this enhancement to DWP services.

Telephone Services: Wales

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many customer access phones there were in each of his Department's centres in each parliamentary constituency in Wales in each of the last 10 years; and what the projected number of such machines is in each of the next three years.

Esther McVey: The following tables show the numbers of phones originally installed in 2000 and the numbers of phones currently in use. Next year we will replace customer access phones with an assisted service so claimants making inquiries will receive help directly from a Jobcentre member of staff. Telephony will be made available if it is required.
	
		
			 Warm phones Originally installed Currently in use 
			 N&M Wales   
			 Amlwch 3 2 
			 Bangor 5 5 
			 Brecon 2 0 
			 Caernarfon 3 2 
			 Colwyn Bay 6 2 
			 Dolgellau 2 2 
			 Flint 4 0 
			 Holyhead 3 3 
			 Llandrindod Wells 3 1 
			 Llandudno 6 5 
			 Llangefni 3 3 
			 Machynlleth 2 2 
			 Mold 4 1 
			 Newtown 3 3 
			 Porthmadog 3 2 
			 Pwllheli 3 2 
			 Rhyl 6 1 
			 Shotton 6 0 
			 Welshpool 3 3 
			 Wrexham 8 8 
			 Ystradgynlais 2 1 
			 Total 80 48 
		
	
	
		
			 Warm phones Originally installed Currently in use 
			 SW Wales   
			 Aberdare 3 3 
			 Aberystwyth 4 4 
			 Ammanford 3 3 
			 Bridgend 3 3 
			 Cardigan 3 3 
			 Carmarthen 6 6 
			 Gorseinon 3 3 
			 Haverfordwest 5 5 
			 Llanelli 3 3 
			 Llantrisant 3 3 
			 Maesteg 2 2 
			 Milford Haven 3 3 
			 Morriston 3 3 
			 Mountain Ash 2 2 
			 Neath 3 3 
			 Pembroke Dock 4 4 
			 Pontypridd 4 4 
			 Porth 4 4 
			 Port Talbot 3 3 
			 Porthcawl 2 2 
			 Pyle 1 1 
			 Swansea 5 5 
			 Tonypandy 4 4 
			 Treorchy 3 3 
			 Total 79 79 
		
	
	
		
			 Warm phones Originally installed Currently in use 
			 SE Wales   
			 Abergavenny 2 2 
			 Abertillery 3 3 
			 Alex House 10 2 
			 Bargoed 2 2 
		
	
	
		
			 Barry 6 4 
			 Blackwood 8 8 
			 Caerphilly 7 5 
			 Caldicot 2 2 
			 Caradog House 6 (1)— 
			 Charles St 10 8 
			 Chepstow 2 2 
			 Cwmbran 6 6 
			 Ebbw Vale 8 6 
			 Merthyr 3 3 
			 Newport 11 3 
			 Penarth 4 0 
			 Pontypool 2 2 
			 Tredegar 3 2 
			 Monmouth 1 1 
			 Total 96 61 
			 (1) Office closed. 
		
	
	
		
			 Warm phones Originally installed Currently in use 
			 N&M Wales 80 48 
			 SE Wales 96 61 
			 SW Wales 79 79 
			 Wales totals 255 188

Vacancies

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the ratio of job vacancies to unemployed persons was in each parliamentary constituency in the UK in the latest period for which figures are available.

Esther McVey: Administrative data on the number of vacancies held locally by Jobcentre Plus was published until the end of last year and can be accessed at:
	http://www.nomisweb.co.uk/query/construct/summary.asp?mode=construct&version=0&dataset=89
	and selecting the relevant geography and time period.
	Universal Jobmatch has replaced the previous Jobcentre Plus system of taking vacancies. Information on vacancies reported through the new service is not currently available for parliamentary constituencies.

Vacancies: Chelmsford

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many vacancies were registered with Job Centre Plus in the (a) Chelmsford parliamentary constituency and (b) Chelmsford Local Authority area in each of the last 12 months.

Esther McVey: Administrative data on the number of vacancies held locally by Jobcentre Plus was published until the end of last year and can be accessed at:
	http://www.nomisweb.co.uk/query/construct/summary.asp?mode=construct&version=0&dataset=89
	and selecting the 'notified' vacancies variable and the relevant geography and time period.
	Universal Jobmatch has replaced the previous Jobcentre Plus system of taking vacancies. Information on vacancies reported through the new service is not currently available for parliamentary constituencies. Some information, including notified vacancies at local authority level, is available from the Universal Jobmatch management information tool:
	https://jobsearch.direct.gov.uk/Reports/Reports.aspx
	and selecting number of new jobs and the relevant geography and time period. DWP is working with the Universal Jobmatch supplier on a timetable for prioritising and implementing improvements to the available Management Information, including breakdowns by parliamentary constituency, subject to funding.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Agriculture: Weather

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what recent discussions he has had with (a) representatives of the farming industry, (b) environmental groups, (c) banking groups, (d) insurance groups and (e) local authorities regarding contingency funding for extreme weather effects affecting farmers;
	(2)  what proposals insurers have presented to him to off-set the effects of severe weather events on farmers;
	(3)  what reports he has received from the insurance industry of difficulties in developing an economic model that would provide sufficient contingency funding for farmers in the event of severe weather;
	(4)  under what circumstances he would use state-funding for a contingency scheme in cases where severe weather has affected UK farmers.

George Eustice: Since May, DEFRA has worked closely with experts from the farming industry, farming charities, levy bodies, insurers and banks to assess the financial impact of the exceptional spring weather on farmers. A new 10-point plan of action has been agreed to help farmers to prepare for risks to their businesses, including work to explore the potential for insurance schemes and other emergency funding mechanisms. Farming resilience working groups have been held over the summer to refine and start to implement the plan; for instance, by developing new advice and information to help farmers prepare for severe weather. A further summit will be held in December.

Agriculture: Weather

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether (a) low-interest loans, (b) bail-out grants or (c) any other form of funding has been provided for severe weather schemes set up by his Department.

George Eustice: In response to the truly exceptional late snow in parts of England in spring this year, which had a serious impact on isolated and financially vulnerable farmers at the height of the lambing season, DEFRA made up to £250,000 available to help with the costs of collecting fallen stock. Applications closed at the end of June and all payments have now been made under this scheme.

Animal Welfare: Circuses

Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much his Department has spent on developing and implementing the circus licensing scheme under the Welfare of Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses Regulations 2012.

George Eustice: These figures are not available. The Animal Welfare team works on a number of different animal welfare issues, including those relating to circuses. The costs of administering licences and carrying out inspections are borne by licence applicants or licence holders.

Animal Welfare: Circuses

Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will publish details of (a) all licensing inspections carried out on travelling circuses, (b) the licences granted and the conditions applied, (c) all licensed travelling circuses using wild animals and (d) details of all licensed wild animals within such circuses; and if he will make a statement.

George Eustice: Information about circus licence applications and inspections can be found on the gov.uk website, for example at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-forms-and-inspection-reports-circus-animal-licensing-2013

Food

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether his Department is aware of Government or local authority sources of emergency food that can be accessed without food vouchers.

George Eustice: We are not aware of all emergency food aid provision in the UK, although we are aware that there are a range of emergency food aid providers operating under a range of models, some of which can be accessed without vouchers. The provision of food aid ranges from small, local provision through to regional and national schemes. Food aid is mostly a community-led provision responding to local needs.
	In April 2013, funding for crisis loans and community care grants (previously part of the social fund) was transferred to local authorities, to enable them to extend their services in a way that best meets local needs. As such, local authorities may choose to fund food banks or other food aid providers if they consider that this would benefit their local community.

Mobile Phones

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many smartphone apps his Department has launched.

Dan Rogerson: Core DEFRA has not launched any smartphone apps since September 2011. Records are not available prior to that date.

Pets: Tagging

Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what incentives his Department makes available to encourage pet owners to microchip their animals.

George Eustice: The Government announced in February that from April 2016 it will be a requirement for all dogs in England to be microchipped. Dogs Trust announced that it has set aside £6 million to encourage free microchipping through participating vets and local authorities. A number of animal welfare organisations also offer free microchipping at their centres, including Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Blue Cross and Dogs Trust. In addition, the Kennel Club have offered to supply free microchip scanners to local authorities.
	It is also a requirement of the EU Pet Travel Scheme for pets to be microchipped to be able to travel in the EU. In the case of horses, all newly identified horses are required to be identified (including being microchipped) in accordance with the Horse Passports Regulations 2009.

Rural Areas

Michael Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the timetable is for transitional arrangements for agri-environment scheme payments before the commencement of the New Environmental Land Management Scheme on 1 January 2016.

George Eustice: Between the closure of the Rural Development Programme for England at the end of 2013, and the planned start of new environmental land management scheme agreements on 1 January 2016, all those with agri-environment agreements which continue beyond 2013 will continue to receive the payments due under their agreements.
	The timetable as currently planned is as follows:
	2014
	Subject to agreement of the appropriate EU legal texts, there would be a targeted offer of new Higher Level Stewardship, Organic Entry Level Stewardship and Uplands Entry Level Stewardship agreements, as announced by DEFRA on 5 July.
	2015
	The new environmental land management scheme should be open for applications from July 2015, for agreements to start on 1 January 2016.

Rural Areas

Michael Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many agri-environment agreements will end prior to the introduction of the New Environmental Land Management Scheme on 1 January 2016; and what estimate he has made of the savings that will accrue to his Department as a result of reduced payments during that period.

George Eustice: In 2014, around 2,000 Entry Level Stewardship and Organic Entry Level Stewardship agreements are due to expire. In addition, around 2,800 Countryside Stewardship and Environmentally Sensitive Area agreements are due to come to an end.
	As part of the targeted 'transition' offer, as announced on 5 July, we have estimated that up to £26 million needs to be made available in 2014 for new Higher Level Stewardship agreements. This will cover expiring Countryside Stewardship and Environmentally Sensitive Area agreements, Sites of special scientific interest and other high priority cases. It will also meet Water Framework Directive objectives, including those related to Natura 2000 sites.
	We have also estimated that up to £4 million needs to be made available for new Entry Level Stewardship agreements for land coming out of expiring Countryside Stewardship and Environmentally Sensitive Area agreements which would not qualify for Higher Level Stewardship, and for new or renewed Organic Entry Level Stewardship agreements.
	No Uplands Entry Level Stewardship or Higher Level Stewardship agreements are due to expire in 2014. The total annual value of expiring Entry Level Stewardship agreements in 2014 is £3.27 million.
	In 2015, 11,328 Entry Level Stewardship agreements are due to expire, with 97% expiring between July and December. The total annual value of these expiring agreements is £37.17 million. Subject to any new eligibility requirements, on current plans, farmers with expiring agreements would be able to apply for the new environmental land management scheme from July 2015, for an agreement starting on 1 January 2016.

Rural Areas

Michael Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he has made of how many farmers will lose agri-environment payments prior to the introduction of the New Environmental Land Management Scheme on 1 January 2016.

George Eustice: 13,006 Entry Level Stewardship and Uplands Entry Level Stewardship agreements are due to expire in 2014 and 2015. Organic Entry Level Stewardship agreements which expire in 2014 would be eligible for new agreements, as part of the targeted 'transition' offer as announced on 5 July, and are not therefore included in this total. On current plans, farmers would be able to apply for the new environmental land management scheme from July 2015 onwards.

Rural Areas

Michael Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will provide a breakdown by (a) size of farm, (b) type of farm, (c) land tenure and (d) geographical location of farms which will lose agri-environment payments during the transitional arrangements before the New Environmental Land Management Scheme commences on 1 January 2016.

George Eustice: 13,006 Entry Level Stewardship, Organic Entry Level Stewardship and Uplands Entry Level Stewardship agreements are due to expire in 2014 and 2015. The location of these agreements by region is as follows:
	
		
			 Region Number of agreements expiring 2014 Number of agreements expiring 2015 Total number of agreements expiring 2014-15 
			 East Midlands 180 1,469 1,649 
		
	
	
		
			 East of England 130 1,229 1,359 
			 North East 64 766 830 
			 North West 218 1,437 1,655 
			 South East 132 778 910 
			 South West 543 2,532 3,075 
			 West Midlands 197 1,494 1,691 
			 Yorkshire and Humber 214 1,623 1,837 
			 Total 1,678 11,328 13,006 
		
	
	Information about size of farm, type of farm, and land tenure of farms is not available.

Rural Areas

Michael Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he has made of (a) the average loss in agri-environment payments and (b) the range of reduced losses for all farms affected by the transitional arrangements before the New Environmental Land Management Scheme commences on 1 January 2016.

George Eustice: We have made no such estimates. Payments to farmers with Entry Level Stewardship, Upland Entry Level Stewardship and Organic Entry Level Stewardship agreements will continue to be made throughout 2014 and 2015 until these agreements expire.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Antisocial Behaviour Orders: Young People

Julian Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many anti-social behaviour orders were issued to people under 18 years of age in (a) England and (b) each London borough in each of the last five years.

Norman Baker: holding answer 21 October 2013
	The number of antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) issued to under 18s at all courts in England and in Greater London in each year from 2007 to 2011 (the latest year for which data is currently available) can be viewed in the following table. ASBO data is not compiled at borough level. ASBO data for 2012 is planned for publication on 31 October.
	
		
			 Antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) issued to individuals aged 10-17(1) at all courts(2) in England as reported to the Ministry of Justice(3) by the Court Service, 200-11 
			 Area 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 
			 England 869 685 477 506 352 
			 Greater London 96 56 39 39 44 
		
	
	
		
			 (1) Where the age of the person was reported. (2) Includes ASBOs issued on application by magistrates courts acting in their civil capacity and county courts, which became available on 1 April 1999 and ASBOs made following conviction for a relevant criminal offence at the Crown court and at magistrates courts (acting in their criminal capacity), which became available on 2 December 2002. (3) Prior to the creation of the Ministry of Justice on 9 May 2007, numbers of ASBOs issued were reported to Home Office by the Court Service. Note: Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.

Corruption

Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when her Department plans to implement the new reporting mechanism for corruption cited in its Serious and Organised Crime strategy.

Norman Baker: holding answer 18 October 2013
	As the Serious and Organised Crime Strategy sets out, the Government believe there are benefits in creating a new reporting mechanism for bribery and corruption and we are currently examining the best way to do deliver this.

Domestic Violence

Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she is taking to raise awareness of domestic abuse in the UK.

Norman Baker: holding answer 22 October 2013
	The Government's 'Call to End Violence Against Women and Girls Action Plan' sets out our steps to tackle all forms of violence against women, including specific actions to raise public awareness and reduce acceptance of violence against women and girls.
	We continue to run media campaigns to raise awareness of what domestic violence and abuse is, and to reinforce the fact that abuse in relationships is never acceptable. We have also extended the definition of domestic violence and abuse to cover 16 and 17-years-olds, and to include coercive control.
	The Government continue to work with commissioners including local authorities, Police and Crime Commissioners and commissioners of health services to raise awareness of violence against women and girls, and to support them in providing effective support to victims.

Knives: Amnesties

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many knife amnesties have taken place in each of the last five years; and where each such amnesty took place.

Norman Baker: The Home Office does not hold information about local amnesties centrally. This information is held by individual police forces. The last national knife amnesty was held in England and Wales between 24 May and 30 June 2006; in Scotland from 25 May 2006 for one month; and in Northern Ireland from 25 May 2006 for three weeks.

Knives: Amnesties

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of knife amnesty programmes in reducing knife crime.

Norman Baker: The Home Office has not undertaken a recent assessment of the effectiveness of knife amnesties in reducing knife crime.

Knives: Crime

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will meet young people and others who took part in a BBC WM's debate on knife crime in October 2013 to discuss their People's Knife Crime Manifesto.

Norman Baker: Both the Secretary of State for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May) and I welcome opportunities to meet young people and other partners about tackling serious violence, including knife crime. All such invitations are considered.

Knives: Crime

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she is taking to improve the quality of anti-knife crime education in schools.

Norman Baker: I support schools and colleges which take an active role in preventing violent behaviour, including more serious violence such as young people carrying knives. While it is up to schools to decide how best to support their pupils, the Home Office issued practical advice to schools and colleges in August on addressing youth violence and gangs. The document is available at: www.gov.uk website.

Knives: Crime

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Education on the provision of anti-knife crime education in schools.

Norman Baker: The Secretary of State for the Home Department, the right hon. Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), has not had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Education, the right hon. Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), on the provision of anti-knife crime education in schools.
	The Home Secretary chairs an inter-ministerial group on youth violence which has been attended by Ministers from both the Home Office and the Department for Education where key issues, including knife crime, are discussed as part of the Government's Ending Gang and Youth Violence programme.

Knives: Crime

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions she has had with (a) individuals and (b) organisations regarding action to tackle knife crime.

Norman Baker: The Home Office works with a wide range of individuals and organisations, including local police, community safety partnerships, community and voluntary sector organisations, and trading standard agencies, to tackle knife crime.
	As part of the Ending Gang and Youth Violence programme a Home Office team works with a network of around 70 people who have front-line experience of dealing with gangs and youth violence to offer practical advice and support to 33 priority local areas on a broad range of issues, including knife crime. This network includes youth workers, education and health professionals, probation and youth offending officers, community activists, social workers and police officers.

Knives: Crime

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions she has had with the Cabinet Office regarding the role of youth services in combating knife crime.

Norman Baker: Youth services play a key role in the Ending Gang and Youth Violence programme, which includes work to combat knife crime. The programme is cross-Government, is delivered through local partners and looks to change the lives of young people who may become, or are involved in, youth violence. The Cabinet Office has recently taken over youth policy and the work of the Home Office was included within their progress report on 'Positive for Youth'.
	The Cabinet Office will also be invited to the next inter-ministerial group on gangs and youth violence which the Home Secretary chairs and which I attend.

Knives: Crime

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessments she has made of the relationship between local authority youth services and the incidence of knife crime.

Norman Baker: holding answer 21 October 2013
	No formal assessment has been made of the relationship between local authority youth services and the incidence of knife crime.

Metals: Theft

Jake Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she is taking to reduce metal theft from churches.

Norman Baker: The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 commenced on 1 October 2013. This new legislation will help tighten the net around rogue dealers who flout the rules and wilfully purchase stolen metal. This is through a properly funded licensing scheme that supports legitimate businesses. In addition, banning the use of cash to purchase scrap metal, which came into effect on 3 December 2012, and funding for a national metal theft taskforce, have helped to reduce the market for stolen metal, making it much less profitable for thieves to steal metal from churches, war memorials, rail and energy networks.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Parades Commission

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much has been spent by the Parades Commission on consultations in each year since its formation.

Theresa Villiers: The Parades Commission for Northern Ireland is an executive non-departmental public body, which operates independently of Government. In line with current Cabinet Office guidance, the Commission may carry out and pay for consultations up to and including £15,000 without seeking approval from the Northern Ireland Office. For details of expenditure fully within that limit the right hon. Gentleman should write directly to the Commission. My Department has not received any requests for approval of expenditure on consultations above this limit.

Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many meetings Ministers in her Department have had with the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland since September 2012.

Theresa Villiers: No meetings have taken place between Ministers in the Northern Ireland Office and the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland since September 2012.

TREASURY

Children: Day Care

Lucy Powell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  if he will estimate the annual cost to the Exchequer of the tax and national insurance exemption for employer-provided childcare vouchers;
	(2)  if he will estimate the cost to the Exchequer of tax relief for workplace nurseries in each year that such relief has been available.

Nicky Morgan: Estimates of the tax and national insurance values of ‘Employer-Supported Childcare including workplace nurseries’ are published in HM Revenue and Customs table 1.5 ‘Estimated costs of the principal tax expenditure and structural reliefs’ at:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/statistics/expenditures/table1-5.pdf

Counterfeit Manufacturing: Northern Ireland

David Simpson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate his Department has made of the amount of revenue lost to the Exchequer as a result of illegal trading in (a) cigarettes, (b) spirits, (c) diesel, (d) petrol and (e) other counterfeit goods in Northern Ireland in each of the last two years.

Nicky Morgan: The associated revenue losses with the illicit market in petrol in Northern Ireland were negligible in 2010-11 and 2011 -12.
	The illicit market for diesel was estimated to be 12% to 13% of the total market in Northern Ireland in 2011-12. This is a tentative estimate that was published in ‘Measuring Tax Gaps 2013’:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/statistics/tax-gaps/mtg-annex2013.pdf
	Estimates for previous years are not available as it is not possible to split out the cross border shopping element of the total non-UK duty paid figure for diesel.
	Estimates of revenue lost due to illegal trading in cigarettes, spirits and other counterfeit goods in Northern Ireland are not available.
	Estimates of the total illicit market for cigarettes, spirits and other goods subject to excise duty are available at UK level for 2011-12. These are published in ‘Measuring Tax Gaps 2013’.
	Additionally, estimates of the illicit market in 2012-13 for cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco in the UK are available in a supplementary publication.
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/statistics/tax-gaps/ttg-2013.pdf

Infrastructure

Ann McKechin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many applications there have been to the UK Guarantees scheme to date; and which applications were (a) accepted and (b) not accepted.

Danny Alexander: holding answer 21 October 2013
	I refer the hon. Member to the written ministerial statement I have issued today.

Solar Power

Sarah Wollaston: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the cost of solar farms financed under the Enterprise Investment Scheme;
	(2)  how many applications he has received for the financing of solar farms under the Enterprise Investment Scheme to date.

David Gauke: The information held on HMRC's systems does not distinguish solar farms separately and the information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Tax Allowances: Landlords

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will enable landlords to roll over tax relief from one tax year to another; and if he will make a statement.

David Gauke: holding answer 14 October 2013
	Landlords who receive property income are liable for income tax and likewise a company receiving income from property is liable for corporation tax. In both cases allowable deductions and reliefs apply.
	Landlords operating a property business in some circumstances are able to carry forward property losses and offset them against profits in subsequent tax years. There are currently no plans to enable other tax reliefs to be rolled over.
	As with all aspects of the tax system, the Government do keep tax reliefs for private and business landlords under review, and any decisions on changes will be taken as part of the annual Budget process in the context of the wider public finances.

Tax Allowances: Married People

Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what comparative estimate he has made of the potential effect of a marriage tax allowance on people in each socio-economic grouping.

David Gauke: The transferable tax allowance for married couples will be of most benefit to households on lower incomes.
	In line with the usual process, the Government will publish further information at autumn statement.

VAT: Tourism

Margaret Ritchie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will reduce VAT for the tourism and hospitality sector.

David Gauke: I refer the hon. Lady to the answer given to the hon. Member for Barnsley Central (Dan Jarvis) on 12 March 2013, Official Report, column 140W.

BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS

Apprentices: Bedford

Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many businesses in Bedford have participated in the AGE 16 to 24 Scheme; and how many and what proportion of such businesses were small and medium-sized enterprises.

Matthew Hancock: Provisional data show that between 1 February 2012 and 31 July 2013, 30 employer workplaces in Bedford parliamentary constituency received payment to take on an apprentice through the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (AGE 16-24)(1). A breakdown of businesses by business size is not available.
	(1) Figure rounded to the nearest 10.

Business: North West

Jake Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking to support small businesses in (a) the North West and (b) Rossendale and Darwen constituency.

Matthew Hancock: Small businesses are vital to the economy and this Government is supporting them in many ways.
	Of course, economic stability, lower taxes, deregulation, and a culture of enterprise are vital to business growth.
	www.gov.uk is the home for Government services and information online. One of the tools available is the ‘Finance Finder’, a searchable database of publicly-backed sources of finance. The tool will help to explore the full range of options available, from Government grants to investment types of finance available from business angels and venture capitalists.
	The BIS guide ‘SME access to finance schemes: measures to support small and medium-sized enterprise growth’ is available on the same website by searching for the title and provides details on the main forms of public support available to businesses. The website
	www.greatbusiness.gov.uk
	also provides support and advice for businesses to grow as well as for entrepreneurs starting out.
	In addition to online support, the Business Link Helpline is available to provide a quick response on queries about starting a business, or a personalised and in-depth advice service for more complex needs.
	Start-up loans are now available to anyone over the age of 18 starting a business (or in the early stages of doing so) but lacking access to the necessary finance or support to realise their ambitions. Further information can be found at:
	http://www.startuploans.co.uk
	For businesses ready to go further there is ‘GrowthAccelerator’—a £200 million programme for up to 26,000 high growth potential SMEs, providing them with expertise and networks to achieve sustainable growth.

Business: Qualifications

Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what support his Department provides to businesses to allow them to deliver City and Guilds qualifications to their staff directly.

Matthew Hancock: If a business wishes to deliver an awarding organisation's qualifications to their staff, they will need to meet any requirements set by the relevant awarding organisation. Awarding organisations and the qualifications, which they develop are regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual), the independent regulator. Some employers also have a direct funding relationship with the Skills Funding Agency.
	We want to support more businesses to support training, and my Department has invited the UK Commission for Employment and Skills and one of its employer commissioners to undertake a review of adult vocational qualifications. The outcome of that review is expected to be reported shortly.

Business: Training

Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what incentives his Department provides to encourage businesses to increase staff skills.

Matthew Hancock: Apprenticeship training for 16 to 18-year-olds is fully funded by the Government as an incentive to employers to take on younger people. This reflects their inexperience in the workplace. For apprentices aged 19 to 24, the Government pays 50% of the training up to Level 3. In addition, the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers supports smaller employers by providing £1,500 per new apprentice aged 16-24. Employers can claim support for up to 10 apprentices.
	Our Apprenticeship Reform Implementation plan, due to be published shortly, sets out our aim to put employers in the driving seat and to lead the way in developing and implementing new apprenticeships in their sector. We want to make it as simple and rewarding as possible for employers to take on an apprentice to improve their productivity and the quality of their product and service.
	The Employer Ownership of Skills pilot has offered employers in England the opportunity to secure public investment to design and deliver their own training solutions and was substantially oversubscribed. Further funding opportunities are being developed that build on the success of the pilot programme and will include incentives to deliver the skills needs that cannot be addressed by mainstream funding.

Lip Reading: Education

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of provision of lipreading classes for adults in the UK.

Matthew Hancock: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills supports lip reading provision in England through the Adult Skills Budget (ASB). Colleges and providers have the freedoms and flexibilities to use the ASB as best fits the needs of their local learners and businesses, including lip-reading qualifications where there is a local need for these.
	Skills provision in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is a devolved matter and lip reading classes and the adequacy of provision is the responsibility of the devolved Administrations.

Literacy

Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent steps his Department has taken to reduce the number of functionally illiterate adults in the UK.

Matthew Hancock: We have taken action to ensure that the qualifications we support are those which rigorously test knowledge and skills and which are recognised by employers. Since August 2012 we have provided full funding to enable adults to take a GCSE in English. We have also removed the Adult Basic Skills Certificates and replaced them with more rigorous Functional Skills qualifications which test the application of skills in real-life situations as well as basic skills and understanding.
	To ensure that young people are developing their English, we are embedding English within our major skills interventions. Our traineeships programme for young people, announced in June 2013, puts English (and maths) at its core, alongside work preparation and work experience. We have increased the expectations for English within apprenticeships. From 2014/15 all intermediate apprentices will be required to work towards achieving a level 2 in English, ensuring that all apprentices have literacy skills and qualifications that are widely recognised and valued by employers and others.
	We are taking steps to improve the standard of the teaching work force within further education. From the academic year 2013/14, grants of £9,000 will be offered to English graduates and £20,000 to maths graduates to teach in those areas. These bursaries will help us recruit the brightest and best teachers so we can improve standards and provide people with the basic skills they need.
	In June 2013 we announced that, from next April, unemployed people on JSA with very poor English language skills will be required to train to bring their skills up to the level expected by employers. They will be mandated by jobcentres to English language training with a further education provider.
	Since August 2013 community learning providers have been expected to work in partnership with other learning providers and local people, services and organisations to agree priorities and approaches to meet the needs of people in their local area, including addressing low literacy where this is an issue.

Royal Mail

Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills for what reasons he valued the Royal Mail to be worth approximately £3.3 billion for purposes of its privatisation; and what consideration he has given since the flotation of Royal Mail shares of this being an under-valuation.

Michael Fallon: The process that set the value range comprised a combination of rigorous market testing and extensive analysis of comparable companies in the sector. Over the 12 months prior to the initial public offering (IPO), Royal Mail's management met a range of high quality institutions of the type that would form the core of a long-term, supportive investor base. In early September 2013, the management team and our advisers engaged further with a focused group of informed investors. Specific indications of valuation and demand were received from this group which informed the valuation range to be set. In addition to the market testing, a valuation assessment was made which included a review of comparable quoted postal companies (including Bpost, Deutsche Post, Austria Post and PostNL) on a range of key metrics such as valuation multiples and dividend yields.
	Our long-term strategy to safeguard the universal service and deliver value for money for the taxpayer involves not only getting good value for the initial stake sold but also getting good value for the significant residual stake held by Government (30% of the Company assuming exercising in full the over-allotment option), and leaving Royal Mail in a strong, sustainable position capable of accessing the capital markets in the future. We are focused on the long-term success of Royal Mail and believe that value for money should be measured over the medium term.
	The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, the right hon. Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable), wrote to the Chairman of the Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee on the 18 October 2013 setting out the Government's sale objectives and approach to setting the price range. A copy of his letter was laid in the Libraries of the House.

Sri Lanka

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 17 October 2013, Official Report, column 855W, on Sri Lanka, which UK companies will attend the Commonwealth Business Forum; and what discussions his Department has had with such companies about the UK Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.

Michael Fallon: UK companies attending the Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF) are doing so through the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC). The Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has not been involved in delegate recruitment and therefore does not hold comprehensive records of UK companies that will attend the CBF.
	BIS have not had any formal discussions with companies on the development of the UK Government's Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.

PRIME MINISTER

Refineries: Grangemouth

Tom Watson: To ask the Prime Minister whether he plans to convene a meeting of Cobra to discuss the close down of Grangemouth refinery; and if he will make a statement. [R]

David Cameron: UK and Scottish Ministers are meeting regularly to review the situation, including via Cobra meetings, to ensure that robust contingency plans are in place, and consider how best to support the long-term future for the site.

TRANSPORT

Bus Services: Rural Areas

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the effect of spending changes since 2010 on bus services in rural areas;
	(2)  how much funding to public bus services has changed in (a) cash and (b) percentage terms in each of the last three years; and what assessment he has made of the effect of such changes on rural communities;
	(3)  how many bus routes operating in rural areas were (a) in receipt of and (b) not in receipt of government subsidy; and what cumulative distance was covered by these services in the last year for which figures are available.

Stephen Hammond: Details of public funding for bus services in England for the years up to 2011-12 can be found at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/244300/bus0502.xls
	This includes figures for those parts of the country which fall outside London and the metropolitan areas.
	Figures are not available for the number of routes receiving or not receiving funding. However, details of the distances travelled by services supported by local authorities, broken down by area type, can be found at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/243762/bus0205.xls
	The Government recognises that buses are a lifeline for many people in rural areas—providing access to jobs, schools, health care and social activities. That is why we have protected the DFT funding for local bus services during the recent spending review. Moreover, our reforms to date of the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG), which devolve the funding to local authorities in respect of the services they choose to support, will give those authorities more say over how that funding is prioritised. We have continued to invest in local bus infrastructure and technology through the Better Bus Area Fund, the Green Bus Fund and the Local Sustainable Transport Fund. And we have also recognised the importance of community transport in rural areas with £20 million of additional funding.

East Anglia Railway Line

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the increase in passenger numbers on the London Liverpool Street and Chelmsford service between 2002 and 2012.

Stephen Hammond: The Department for Transport does hold some of the requested information. However, statistics at a service or route level are commercially confidential to the train operator and so cannot be released.

East Anglia Railway Line

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to increase capacity on the London Liverpool Street to Chelmsford line.

Stephen Hammond: Network Rail's Strategic Business Plan for Control Period 5 (2014 to 2019) includes a plan for capacity improvement on the Great Eastern Main Line. The proposed scope of works includes the provision of turnback facilities in the Chelmsford area. We await details from Network Rail about where and how these turnback facilities will be provided.

Railway Stations

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many and what proportion of UK railway stations have steps but no lift access.

Stephen Hammond: We understand from the Association of Train Operating Companies, who hold the data about facilities available at stations, that 452 out of 2,533 UK railway stations have step free access via lifts or ramps to all platforms.

Railways

Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  on which railway lines increased capacity has been observed as a result of the upgrading of track gauges and associated works; and what the increased capacity on such lines was for each of the last 30 years;
	(2)  what the cost of upgrading track gauges and associated works was on each railway line where such work has been undertaken in each of the last 30 years.

Stephen Hammond: Data are not available on an annual basis, or for the past 30 years.
	The Government has made available over £600 million since 2009 for rail freight infrastructure upgrades:
	Productivity—Transport Innovation Fund (P-TIF) schemes, 2009-12: £150 million.
	Strategic Freight Network (SFN) Schemes funded 2009-14: £200 million.
	A further £55 million of funding for the SFN was announced in the Chancellor's 2011 autumn statement.
	Another £200 million ringfenced for SFN Scheme funding 2014-19 in England and Wales for CP5—and £30 million specifically for Scotland.
	Major schemes that have been, or are being, funded since 2000 to allow enhancement to at least W10 loading gauge are:
	Felixstowe, Tilbury and Harwich to London—finished 2004.
	Southampton to West Coast Mainline (Nuneaton)—finished February 2011.
	Peterborough to Nuneaton—finished April 2011.
	Southampton to West Coast Mainline diversionary route—finished June 2013.
	Water Orton to Doncaster—scheduled to be completed in March 2014.
	Peterborough to London via Hertford—forecast to be completed during 2013-14.
	Doncaster to Berwick—scheduled to be completed by March 2014.
	Berwick to Carstairs—forecast to be completed during the funding period 2014-19.
	Peterborough to Doncaster via Lincoln—forecast to be completed November 2014.
	Syston to Stoke—forecast to be completed during the funding period 2014-19.
	All the gauge schemes are now taken forward by Network Rail as part of the Strategic Freight Network portfolio of gauge and capacity schemes using funding from the available sources on behalf of the industry; the final cost of each individual scheme is a matter for Network Rail. Freight gauge schemes do not increase capacity in their own right but they allow for more efficient use of existing capacity by allowing more containers to be conveyed within the same train length.

Railways: Edinburgh

Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what recent discussions he has had with (a) the Scottish Government, (b) Transport Scotland and (c) Network Rail on the Dalmeny Chord rail link;
	(2)  what assessment he has undertaken of the plans for the Dalmeny Chord rail link;
	(3)  what his policy is on building the Dalmeny Chord rail link.

Stephen Hammond: The Dalmeny Chord Rail link is a matter for the Scottish Government. Therefore I have had no meetings with the Scottish Government nor with Transport Scotland, and the Department for Transport has undertaken no assessment.

DEFENCE

Armoured Fighting Vehicles

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what his estimate is of the cost of removing equipment installed on Warthog vehicles for use in Afghanistan; and what equipment will replace it;
	(2)  how many Warthog vehicles will be operated by 32 and 47 Regiment's Royal Artillery.

Philip Dunne: The future of vehicles such as Warthog, and the equipment installed on them, bought through the urgent operational requirement process for operations in Afghanistan is currently being considered. We are reviewing which of these vehicles we might retain in service once they are no longer required on operations in Afghanistan. A range of factors, including requirement, security and cost will be taken into account, as will the future Army structure and the Department's armoured vehicle programme. Until that work is complete it is too soon to comment on estimated costs or equipments which will be operated or replaced.

Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether any pilots testing the Joint Strike Fighter have suffered spatial disorientation using the helmet mounted display.

Philip Dunne: The Ministry of Defence is not aware of any pilots suffering from spatial disorientation, as a result of using the helmet mounted display system.

Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the ability of the helmet mounted display for the Joint Strike Fighter to (a) match the acuity of the human eye and (b) enable the pilot to view directly behind them during flight.

Philip Dunne: The helmet mounted display system (HMDS) is still within the development test phase. The HMDS design is undergoing flight testing, and where necessary will be improved to meet all mandated design and performance specifications for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
	The F-35's Distributed Aperture System streams real-time imagery from cameras mounted at positions around the aircraft to the HMDS, allowing F-35 pilots to “look through” the air frame, providing 360-degree awareness. This includes the ability for the pilot to view directly behind them during flight.

Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what live armaments have been used by the Joint Strike Fighter to date.

Philip Dunne: Weapons trials are an ongoing element of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter development test programme. The weapons trials programme for the partner nations is on track. To date there has been no live explosive armament testing. Only inert armaments have been released.

Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of reports of cracks in the bulkhead of the F-35B aircraft fleet; and how many times bulkheads in the UK's test aircraft have been replaced since their introduction.

Philip Dunne: The recent report of cracking in the bulkhead of the F-35B is in relation to a test model specimen, which is not part of the active F-35B fleet. This model is being used to assess the airframe's fatigue life. The cause of this crack is under investigation by the US, with full UK engagement, and has no short or medium term impact on the UK fleet. A repair solution will be developed once the root cause has been established. Fatigue testing of this kind is part of routine certification activity and is undertaken in order to identify these types of issue.
	There has been no replacement of bulkheads in UK F-35 test aircraft.

Military Aircraft: Accidents

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions spatial disorientation of a pilot has resulted in (a) damage or (b) total loss of an airframe in each of the last 10 years.

Mark Francois: This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Military Exercises

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  which large-scale training exercises have been undertaken by the Royal Marines since 2000; what the total cost was of each such exercise; how many Royal Marines personnel were involved in each such exercise; and which of the UK's international partners took part in each such exercise;
	(2)  which future large-scale training exercises are scheduled for the Royal Marines; and which such exercises will be conducted alongside French forces.

Mark Francois: Royal Marines (RM) large-scale (above Company level) training exercises since 2000 are shown in the following table. The scope of these exercises varies with length, location, objective and numbers of personnel participating.
	
		
			  Exercise Name International Partners RM Personnel Cost (£ million) 
			 2001 Cold Response Netherlands; Norway 1,000 n/a 
			 2001 Black Horse USA 800 n/a 
			 2002 Black Horse USA 750 n/a 
			 2004 Cold Response Netherlands; Norway 1,800 n/a 
			 2004 Black Horse USA 800 n/a 
			 2005 Cold Response Norway 1,100 n/a 
			 2006 Cold Response Netherlands; Norway 1,700 n/a 
			 2008 Cold Response Norway 1,400 n/a 
			 2010 Cold Response Netherlands; Norway 700 3.80 
			 2011 Black Alligator USA 800 0.55 
			 2012 Cold Response Netherlands; Norway 450 0.25 
			 2012 Black Alligator USA 700 1.32 
			 2012 Joint Warrior France; Denmark; Norway; Canada; Germany 700 0.45 
			 2013 Cold Response Netherlands; Norway 500 0.86 
			 2013 Black Alligator USA 800 (1)— 
		
	
	
		
			 2013 Joint Warrior Germany; Denmark; Brazil; France; Canada; USA; New Zealand; Italy 800 (1)— 
			 2013 EU Battle Group Latvia; Lithuania; Holland; Sweden 800 (1)— 
			 (1) Not yet completed. 
		
	
	Financial information prior to financial year 2010-11 is not available in the format requested and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	Since 2000 there has been an annual naval deployment (now Cougar) that includes a number of smaller-scale RM exercises with partner nations. These have not been included in the table.
	Future scheduled RM large-scale training exercises are shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Exercise Name International Partners RM Personnel 
			 2014 Cold Response Netherlands; Norway 550 
			 2014 Black Alligator USA; Netherlands 800 
			 2015 Cold Response Netherlands; Norway 600 
		
	
	None of these involve French forces but two smaller-scale RM exercises involving French forces are scheduled for late 2013 and 2014 with live firing tactical training and environmental jungle training.

Territorial Army: Wales

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the average attendance at each TA training centre in North Wales has been in each of the last 12 months.

Andrew Murrison: I will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.
	Substantive answer from Andrew Murrison to Hywel Williams:
	I undertook to write to you in answer to your Parliamentary Question about attendance at Territorial Army (TA) centres on 17 October 2013 (Official Report: Column 839W).
	The table provides details of the total number of personnel attending each TA centre in North Wales in each of the last 12 months. Due to the way that attendance is recorded, there are no separate statistics for Caernarfon (as it is a detachment of Colwyn Bay) or Queensferry (as it is a detachment of Wrexham). The figures in the table for Colwyn Bay and Wrexham therefore include the detachments as well. The figures show individuals' training based on the TA Centres they regularly attend, although they may on occasion go to another TA centre for some training.
	You will also note that the numbers have been rounded in accordance with Government statistical conventions.
	I hope this explains the situation.
	
		
			 Month Location Total numbers attending training 
			 2012   
			 October Prestatyn 20 
		
	
	
		
			  Wrexham 60 
			  Llandudno 60 
			  Colwyn Bay 40 
			 November Prestatyn 30 
			  Wrexham 60 
			  Llandudno 60 
			  Colwyn Bay 50 
			 December Prestatyn 20 
			  Wrexham 50 
			  Llandudno 50 
			  Colwyn Bay 40 
			    
			 2013   
			 January Prestatyn 20 
			  Wrexham 70 
			  Llandudno 50 
			  Colwyn Bay 50 
			 February Prestatyn 20 
			  Wrexham 60 
			  Llandudno 60 
			  Colwyn Bay 50 
			 March Prestatyn 20 
			  Wrexham 60 
			  Llandudno 60 
			  Colwyn bay 50 
			 April Prestatyn 20 
			  Wrexham 60 
			  Llandudno 60 
			  Colwyn Bay 50 
			 May Prestatyn 20 
			  Llandudno 50 
			  Wrexham 40 
			  Colwyn Bay 40 
			 June Prestatyn 30 
			  Wrexham 60 
			  Llandudno 50 
			  Colwyn Bay 50 
			 July Prestatyn 30 
			  Wrexham 60 
			  Llandudno 50 
			  Colwyn Bay 50 
			 August Prestatyn 30 
			  Wrexham 60 
			  Llandudno 30 
			  Colwyn Bay 40 
			 September Prestatyn 30 
			  Wrexham 40 
			  Llandudno 40 
			  Colwyn Bay 40

Type 23 Frigates

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he estimates the fitting of the Sea Ceptor naval defence system to the Type 23 Frigates to be completed.

Philip Dunne: The Sea Ceptor missile defence system will be installed on Type 23 Frigates as part of their long-term refit programme, which is due to start in 2015 and be completed by 2021.

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Homelessness: Ashfield

Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many people in Ashfield constituency were homeless in the latest period for which figures are available.

Kris Hopkins: Although the Department does not collect homelessness statistics for the areas of parliamentary constituencies, figures are available for the areas covered by local authorities. Part of the Ashfield constituency is within the area of Ashfield district council and the rest is within the area of Broxtowe borough council. The latest figures for these two areas are as follows:
	Between 1 April and 30 June 2013, nine households were accepted as being unintentionally homeless and in priority need in the Ashfield local authority, area, and none within the Broxtowe local authority area;
	On 30 June 2013, there were 11 households in temporary accommodation in the Ashfield local authority area and one within the Broxtowe local authority area.
	Homelessness in England is around half the average level it was under the last Administration. Homelessness acceptances remain lower than in 27 of the last 30 years.
	We are investing £470 million in homelessness prevention over four years of the spending review period—funding going to all local authorities and the voluntary sector. We are continuing to support local authorities to raise their game with an additional £1.7 million over two years (2012-13 to 2013-14), for a new Gold Standard support and training scheme across the country to deliver the best possible service to those that are at risk of homelessness.

Housing: Construction

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many self-build homes were (a) started and (b) completed in each of the last three years.

Kris Hopkins: As my predecessor explained to the right hon. Member in the answer he gave to him on 23 October 2012, Official Report, column 773W, the Department does not compile official statistics on this.
	To assist the policy-making process and policy development on encouraging self-builders, the Department is currently examining how best to quantify and support the take-up of self-build.

Pedestrian Areas: Accidents

Angela Watkinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what information his Department holds on the number of accidents in pedestrianised precincts that have taken place in the last five years.

Brandon Lewis: This Department does not hold the information requested.

Security

Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many departmental identity cards or passes have been reported lost or stolen by staff in his Department since May 2010.

Brandon Lewis: Based on the records held by my Department, the following number of passes were reported as lost or stolen in the last three financial years:
	
		
			  Number 
			 2010-11 85 
			 2011-12 51 
			 2012-13 62 
		
	
	Detailed records before this point are not held due to a change in facilities management provider. However, to place these figures in context, as outlined in the answer of 22 October 2008, Official Report, column 350W, a total of 235 passes for London offices of the core Department were reported lost or stolen in the first three years of the last Parliament.
	The Department takes the loss of passes very seriously and immediate action is taken to cancel the passes in line with departmental security procedures. None of the passes have the name or address of the building, department or organisation to which it refers, on them.
	The Department assesses all cases of lost or stolen passes to determine any increased vulnerability to security. Additional controls and procedures are introduced as necessary and all staff are regularly reminded of the importance of effective building security and security pass management.

Social Rented Housing: Housing Benefit

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the availability of smaller accommodation for rent by households who move because their current property is subject to the under-occupancy penalty.

Kris Hopkins: I refer the hon. Member to the answers of 21 October 2013, Official Report, columns 13-14.

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Arctic

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change with reference to the Arctic Policy Framework published on 17 October 2013, of which environmental risks associated with oil, gas and mining activities in parts of the Arctic the UK is very aware; and if he will publish the details of what constitute the highest environmental and drilling standards in the Arctic advocated by the UK.

Michael Fallon: All drilling and mining activities need to be properly regulated to minimise the risk of damage to the local environment. The extremes of the Arctic climate and the huge variation in conditions in different onshore and offshore locations present particular challenges which need to be dealt with appropriately, but for which there can be no single standard.
	Those best placed to assess and respond to such risks and variations, and to determine how to minimise them are those with experience of the relevant conditions, primarily the Arctic states themselves. The United Kingdom is ready to provide advice where this is sought.

Energy: Prices

Owen Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change 
	(1)  what change there has been to average (a) gas and (b) electricity bills in (i) Wales and (ii) each other region of the UK since May 2010;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the reasons for differential gas and electricity prices across the UK; and what assessment he has made of the differing effects of price increases in each region of the UK.

Michael Fallon: The following tables show average annual domestic gas and electricity bills over each of the last three years, split by public electricity supply (PES) region.
	
		
			  Average annual gas bill by region (£) Year on year change (%) 
			 PES regions 2010 2011 2012 2010-11 2011-12 
			 East Midlands 653 709 790 9 11 
			 Eastern 652 713 797 9 12 
			 London 670 735 819 10 11 
			 Merseyside and North Wales 661 718 795 9 11 
			 North East 656 712 787 9 11 
			 North West 661 718 795 9 11 
			 Northern Scotland 649 711 791 10 11 
			 South East 661 724 808 10 12 
			 South Wales 659 722 807 9 12 
			 South West 658 718 805 9 12 
			 Southern 657 723 807 10 12 
			 Southern Scotland 649 711 791 10 11 
			 West Midlands 662 725 807 10 11 
			 Yorkshire 655 717 791 10 10 
		
	
	
		
			  Average annual electricity bill by region (£) Year on year change (%) 
			 PES regions 2010 2011 2012 2010-11 2011-12 
			 East Midlands 403 447 468 11 5 
			 Eastern 407 446 467 10 5 
			 London 425 452 475 6 5 
			 Merseyside and North Wales 431 474 503 10 6 
		
	
	
		
			 North East 407 440 469 8 7 
			 North West 398 452 478 13 6 
			 Northern Ireland 486 513 546 6 7 
			 Northern Scotland 439 465 499 6 7 
			 South East 408 438 464 8 6 
			 South Wales 443 470 503 6 7 
			 South West 430 468 496 9 6 
			 Southern 424 445 470 5 6 
			 Southern Scotland 433 465 483 7 4 
			 West Midlands 409 449 475 10 6 
			 Yorkshire 398 437 468 10 7 
		
	
	Wales is covered by the Merseyside and North Wales, and South Wales PES regions (a small number of Welsh postcode districts also fall into the East Midlands PES region).
	These bills assume an annual gas consumption of 18,000kWh and an annual electricity consumption of 3,300kWh. Energy bill estimates are made on a calendar year basis. Bills presented are a weighted average of credit, direct debit and PPM payment methods, and home and non-home suppliers. DECC does not hold data on gas bills in Northern Ireland. These data are taken from Quarterly Energy Prices, tables 2.2.3 and 2.3.3:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/annual-domestic-energy-price-statistics
	Energy prices vary regionally. Network costs, which account for 20% of a dual fuel bill, include the cost of building, maintaining and operating the local gas pipes and electricity wires and the high pressure gas and high voltage transmission networks which deliver energy directly to the home. Suppliers are charged for this service and pass on the costs to the consumer. The cost of this varies according to region, therefore the costs to the consumer will depend upon the area in which they live.
	Ofgem, the independent regulator, sets price controls which limit the total amount of revenue that distribution and transmission companies can earn.

Fracking

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change with reference to his Department's study, Potential Greenhouse Gas Emissions Associated with Shale Gas Extraction and Use, what assessment his Department has made of (a) the potential effects of greenhouse gas emissions associated with shale gas extraction and (b) the global warming effect of methane associated with shale gas extraction.

Michael Fallon: Drawing on a recent study from the university of Texas, the potential greenhouse gas emissions from a shale gas well in the UK would likely be between 745 to 865 tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent per year. The largest proportion of these emissions is likely to be as methane. It is unrealistic at present to estimate the total emissions in the UK from shale gas operations as it is not possible to predict the number of shale gas production wells likely to be developed. However, the proportion of the UK greenhouse gas emissions, resulting from shale gas extraction, is likely to be a very minor part of the total UK emissions of the basket of six greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol, which is provisionally estimated to be 571.6 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent in 2012. The UK's emissions are 1.3% of total global greenhouse gas emissions, so the direct global warming effect of shale gas operations in the UK is likely to be very miniscule. To put these numbers into context, the US estimated their greenhouse gas emissions in 2011, resulting from shale gas extraction, to be less than 0.25% of their total greenhouse gas emissions.

Nuclear Power

Margaret Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the total cost to the public purse of the new nuclear programme including costs arising from (a) development, (b) strike price provisions and (c) future decommissioning.

Michael Fallon: Nuclear developers and their investors will be responsible for funding all of the project development costs for new nuclear power stations in the UK.
	Payments to generators under investment contracts and CfDs will be funded by a levy on suppliers, and ultimately sourced from bill payers. No funding is made from general taxation.
	The Energy Act 2008 requires operators of new nuclear power stations to have arrangements in place, before construction begins, to meet the full costs of decommissioning and their full share of waste management and disposal costs. There is therefore not expected to be any cost to the public purse resulting from the decommissioning of new nuclear power stations.

Nuclear Power

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what the cost to the public purse has been of financial contributions to (a) Euratom, (b) European Commission Joint Research Centres, (c) the ITER nuclear fusion project, (d) the International Atomic Energy Agency and (e) the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development nuclear energy agency since May 2010.

Michael Fallon: EU member states contribute to the EU budget as a whole and not to individual spending programmes within it. There are not, therefore, specific contributions made directly to Euratom, Joint Research Centres or the EU funding towards the ITER project.
	The UK Government contributes to a number of separate programmes within the International Atomic Energy Agency. These include the Regular Budget (subscription), the Technical Cooperation Fund, the UK Support Programme to IAEA Safeguards and other voluntary contributions to the Nuclear Security Fund. Over the period from May 2010 these come to around £74 million.
	The UK contributions to the OECD's Nuclear Energy Agency since May 2010 are just over £1.1 million, although these have significantly reduced since 2012 as costs are shared between the Government, Regulators and Industry.

Radioactive Waste

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the potential cost to the public purse if management costs for management of radioactive waste from new build nuclear plants exceed the cap on costs included in the nuclear waste and decommissioning financing arrangements for new nuclear plants.

Michael Fallon: The terms on which the Government will take title to and liability for higher activity waste from a new nuclear power station for disposal in the planned geological disposal facility will be set out in a waste contract with the operator. The price that the Government will charge the operators for this service, the waste transfer price, will be determined in accordance with the Government's published Waste Transfer Pricing methodology.
	The waste contract will, at the outset, set a cap on the level of the waste transfer price and the published methodology sets out how this cap will be determined. The cap will be set at a level that reflects the Government's current analysis of risk and uncertainty around waste disposal costs and gives a very high level of confidence that actual cost will not exceed the cap. The Government accepts that, in setting a cap, the residual risk that actual cost might exceed the cap is being borne by the Government. Therefore the Government will charge the operator an appropriate risk fee for this risk transfer.
	The Government's methodology, which includes worked examples, can be found at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/42629/3798-waste-transfer-pricing-methodology.pdf

Renewable Energy

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the reasons for changes in investment in clean energy; and if he will make a statement.

Gregory Barker: Like all sectors of the economy, clean energy suffered as a result of the global financial crisis. Deal flow across the sector is now beginning to accelerate once more; there have been a number of oversubscribed renewable flotations this year. On the supply side, there are indications that the market for the supply of generation is consolidating around larger offtakers and the Government is acting to improve the situation as part of the electricity market reform process.

JUSTICE

Courts: Security Guards

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether he has exercised his powers under the Court Security Officers (Designation) Regulations 2005 to designate persons as court security officer.

Shailesh Vara: The powers under the Court Security Officers (Designation) Regulations 2005 to designate persons as Court Security Officers (CSOs) have been exercised.
	These powers have been undertaken by way of a delegated authority. The power has been delegated to Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) chief executive, to act on my behalf. Prior to this, powers were delegated to the chief executive of Her Majesty's Court Service (HMCS).

Knives: Crime

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many sentences were issued for carrying knives in each of the last five years.

Jeremy Wright: The Government take the view that knives on our streets are a social scourge and that steps need to be taken to prevent it. Unlawful possession of a knife or offensive weapon is already a serious criminal offence which carries a maximum four year custodial sentence. We want to send a clear and unequivocal message that those who use a knife or offensive weapon to threaten another person and cause an immediate risk of serious physical harm to that other person that they are behaving in a wholly unacceptable manner and can expect an automatic custodial sentence.
	In the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2013, the Government introduced the new offence of threatening someone with a knife in a public place or a school as set out which came into force on 3 December 2012. This offence carries a minimum sanction of six months custody for adults and a four month Detention and Training Order for juveniles.
	The Government is also considering whether there is a case for further changes to be made to the sentencing framework for knife possession as part of the knife sentencing review, and has recently announced that simple cautions will no longer be available for possession of a knife.
	The number of court sentences handed down for possession of a knife since 2008 is available in the excel file which accompanies the Knife Possession Sentencing Brief April to June 2013 bulletin which was published on 19 September 2013 and available on the GOV.UK website at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/243775/knife-possession-stats-tables-q2-2013.xls
	Annual figures are available by adding together the respective quarterly figures for each disposal category, excluding cautions, in "Table 1 time series" in the worksheet labelled "Annex Table 1".

Legal Aid Scheme

Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what proportion of his Department's total procurement expenditure on small and medium-sized enterprises was spent on legal aid providers in (a) the third quarter of 2011-12, (b) the fourth quarter of 2011-12 and (c) each quarter of 2012-13.

Shailesh Vara: The Government is on the side of people who work hard and want to get on. SMEs are the lifeblood of our economy. Our intention is to ensure legal aid firms are delivering quality assured legal aid services to clients who need it and cannot afford to pay for it themselves.
	Under the proposals published for consultation on 5 September firms of any size will be able to get a contract to deliver legal aid services provided they can show they meet the necessary quality standards. However the legal aid market is not sustainable in the long term in its current size and structure, a view shared by the Law Society. The consultation proposes a model which would encourage the market to explore opportunities for consolidation and more efficient working.
	The proportion of our total procurement expenditure on small and medium-sized enterprises that was spent on legal aid providers in the periods in question is shown within the following table.
	
		
			 Period Percentage of legal aid spend with SMEs as a proportion of total SME procurement expenditure (%) 
			 2011-12  
			 Q3 96 
			 Q4 87 
			   
			 2012-13  
			 Q1 76 
			 Q2 89 
			 Q3 77 
			 Q4 87

Translation Services

Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much his Department spent on interpreters and translation services in each month from January 2012 to August 2013.

Shailesh Vara: The previous system for booking interpreters was flawed and did not provide value for money. Over the first year of the contract with Capita Translation and Interpretation (starting January 2012) the Department has saved over £16 million in the provision of interpretation and translation services.
	The following tables set out the monthly spend through the Capita contract; during this period courts and tribunals have also been using off contract. During the early months of the contract, off contract bookings were more prevalent—this has decreased significantly as Capita’s transition has completed (and therefore spend with Capita has increased). Spend information on off contract bookings is not centrally available.
	The months of October and November 2012 were billed as a single combined invoice, as are January and February.
	
		
			 2012 
			  Spend (£) 
			 February 110,419.53 
			 March 439,935.19 
			 April 642,027.36 
			 May 693,325.92 
			 June 798,555.15 
			 July 1,116,034.18 
			 August 1,003,596.92 
			 September 944,674.26 
			 October and November 1,851,512.76 
			 December 913,748.54 
			 Total 8,513,829.77 
		
	
	
		
			 2013 
			  Spend (£) 
			 January and February 2,136,114.31 
			 March 1,983,158.84 
			 April 854,604.74 
			 May 1,186,488.94 
		
	
	
		
			 June 1,325.215.13 
			 July 1,440,246.26 
			 August 1,407,432.33 
			 Total 10,333,260.55

CABINET OFFICE

Innovation

Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps he is taking to ensure that Government procurement supports British innovation.

Nick Hurd: The Government recognises that innovation and research are essential to competitiveness, and is putting them at the heart of its growth agenda.
	Our approach to procurement is to seek maximum value for money for the taxpayer. Value for money comprises both cost and quality, and so companies that offer innovative solutions stand a stronger chance of winning business with Government.
	We know that many of the most innovative British companies are SMEs. Historically many of these were excluded from Government procurement, including by overly bureaucratic processes. Our reforms to procurement are designed to ensure a level playing field and already business with SMEs is substantially up.
	Last summer the Cabinet Office piloted the Solutions Exchange website which enabled business to pitch their innovative goods and services directly to Government buyers. We are currently examining the results of that pilot.

EDUCATION

Children: Genetics

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment his Department has made of the influence of genetics on a child's (a) intellectual development and (b) social mobility.

Edward Timpson: The Department is committed to evidence-based policy but has not made a formal assessment of this issue.
	The leading expert in this area is Professor Robert Plomin of KCL, who has briefed officials on this topic.

Children: Poverty

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made of the effect of poverty on the early cognitive development of a child.

Edward Timpson: The Government is aware of a substantial amount of research on the links between poverty and child outcomes. This Government commissioned the right hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr Field), to review the evidence on poverty and life chances, and the hon. Member for Nottingham North (Mr Allen), to review the impact of early intervention. We are also considering the Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission's report on the state of the nation published on 17 October.
	We are now preparing the next child poverty strategy, which will outline the Government's strategy to 2017.
	Research(1) has found that a high quality early education can help to reduce attainment gaps. That is why the Government is extending funded early learning places to around 260,000 children from the lowest income homes from September 2014.
	The Department for Education's Statistical First Release on the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile(2) by pupil characteristics shows the attainment of children at age five by the Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index (IDACI).
	Table 1 shows the achievement in the 2011 Early Years Foundation Stage Profile teacher assessment by IDACI decile of pupil residence.
	Notes:
	(1) http://www.ioe.ac.uk/End_of_primary_school_phase_report.pdf
	(2) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years- foundation-stage-profile-attainment-by-pupil-characteristics-academic-year-2010-to-2011
	
		
			 Table 1 
			  Percentage achieving 
			 IDACI decile Six or more points in each of the seven scales of PSE(1) and CLL(2) 78 or more points across all scales A good level of development 
			 0% to 10 % most deprived 50 68 49 
			 10% to 20% 51 70 51 
			 20% to 30% 53 73 53 
			 30% to 40% 56 76 56 
			 40% to 50% 59 80 59 
			 50% to 60% 62 82 61 
			 60% to 70% 64 84 64 
			 70% to 80% 66 86 66 
			 80% to 90% 68 88 68 
			 90% to 100% least deprived 72 90 72 
			 (1) Personal, Social and Emotional. (2) Communication Language and Literacy.

Children: Poverty

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment his Department has made of the influence of poverty on a child's (a) intellectual development and (b) social mobility.

Edward Timpson: The Government commissioned the right hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr Field) to review the evidence on poverty and life chances, and the hon. Member for Nottingham North (Mr Allen) to review the impact of Early Intervention, and is also considering the Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission's report on the state of the nation published on 17 October.
	We are now preparing the next child poverty strategy, which will outline the Government's strategy to 2017 and will continue to demonstrate how the Government is working to ensure a highly-educated society in which opportunity is more equal for children and young people, no matter what their background or family circumstances.

Free Schools

Nicholas Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether Ofsted has expressed concern about any free schools to his Department.

Edward Timpson: Ofsted have found there to be two inadequate free schools—Al-Madinah School and Discovery New School. In 2012-13, more than 400 state schools across the country were given the same rating.
	75% of the free schools which opened in 2011 were rated good or outstanding. This is higher than the 64% of all state schools which have achieved the same ratings under the new, tougher Ofsted framework.

Pupils: Languages

Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the answer of 16 October 2013, Official Report, columns 750-1W, on pupils with English as an additional language, if he will supply the equivalent figures for Year 1.

David Laws: Information on the number of pupils in year 1 by first language and region is shown in the following table.
	
		
			 State-funded primary, state-funded secondary, special schools and pupil referral units(1, 2, 3, 4), number and percentage of pupils by first language and national curriculum year group(5), January 2013, by local authority area and region in England 
			  National curriculum year group 
			  Year 1 
			 LA code First language is known or believed to be other than English Percentage of pupils whose first language is known or believed to be other than English(6) First language is known or believed to be English Percentage of pupils whose first language is known or believed to be English(6) Total(7) 
			 England 114,930 18.7 499,590 81.1 615,760 
			       
		
	
	
		
			 North East 1,830 6.4 26,930 93.5 28,795 
			 North West 11,340 13.7 71,615 86.3 83,035 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 9,975 16.1 52,085 83.8 62,120 
			 East Midlands 6,590 12.7 45,175 87.0 51,915 
			 West Midlands 13,430 19.8 54,220 80.0 67,795 
			 East of England 9,080 13.3 59,050 86.4 68,315 
			 London 46,530 47.0 52,015 52.5 99,015 
			 Inner London 18,525 53.6 15,890 45.9 34,590 
			 Outer London 28,010 43.5 36,125 56.1 64,425 
			 South East 12,375 12.6 85,805 87.3 98,250 
			 South West 3,780 6.7 52,690 93.2 56,530 
			 (1) Includes middle schools as deemed. (2) Includes primary academies, including free schools. (3) Includes city technology colleges and all secondary academies, including free schools, university technical colleges and studio schools. (4) Includes maintained special schools, special academies and non-maintained special schools. Excludes general hospital schools. (5) Pupils of compulsory school age and above in year 1 were classified by first language. Includes pupils who are sole or dual main registrations. In pupil referral units includes pupils registered with other providers and further education colleges. (6) The number of pupils by their first language expressed as a percentage of the number of pupils of compulsory school age and above. (7) Including pupils whose first language was not sought or refused or pending classification. Note: Pupil numbers have been rounded to the nearest 5, totals may not appear to equal the sum of the component parts. Source: School Census

Schools: Buildings

Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when his Department expects to begin consultation on the building design standard for school premises first announced in November 2011 in respect of (a) guidance on fire sprinklers in particular and (b) other matters.

David Laws: The Department for Education carried out a public consultation on proposed changes to the School Premises Regulations from November 2011 to January 2012. The consultation document did not contain any questions on fire sprinklers. The revised regulations for local authority maintained schools came into force on 31 October 2012. Identical requirements for independent schools, including academies and free schools, were included in the revised Independent School Standards, which came into force on 1 January 2013.
	The Department's guidance on fire safety in schools, Building Bulletin 100, is currently being reviewed. It has not yet been determined whether a consultation will be necessary.

Schools: Construction

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many new school buildings were built in each of the last 10 years using funds other than or in addition to local authority funding; and how much was spent by his Department on new school buildings in each of the last 10 years.

David Laws: The information requested about new school buildings is not held centrally. The majority of school capital funding is allocated to local authorities, which means decisions for its investment in existing and new school buildings are taken locally. The total capital budget for school buildings in each of the last 10 years is as follows:
	
		
			  Total capital allocations (excluding PFI credits) (£ million) 
			 2004-05 3,828 
			 2005-06 4,315 
			 2006-07 4,629 
			 2007-08 5,135 
			 2008-09 5,349 
			 2009-10 5,704 
			 2010-11 6,915 
			 2011-12 5,058 
			 2012-13 4,502 
			 2013-14 3,983 
		
	
	This Government is spending more on school buildings in this Parliament than the previous Government did in its first two Parliaments combined.

Schools: Vocational Guidance

Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he is taking to improve engagement between schools and local employers.

Matthew Hancock: The Government published an Inspiration Vision Statement on 10 September, which outlines the importance of schools having closer links with employers and a clearer view of the local labour market. Please find a link to the Inspiration Vision Statement here:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/careers-inspiration-vision-statement
	A copy of the Inspiration Vision Statement has been placed in the House Library.

Schools: Vocational Guidance

Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what his Department is doing to promote careers in construction to young people in schools.

Matthew Hancock: Schools should ensure that young people consider a wide range of careers and understand the breadth of opportunities available in industries such as construction. To meet their statutory duty to secure independent careers guidance, we expect schools to work in partnership with employers as appropriate. This can inspire pupils to consider options they may not previously have thought about.
	The Department for Education published an Action Plan on 10 September, detailing steps we are taking to support schools to meet their statutory duty on careers. Please find a link to the Careers Guidance Action Plan below:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/careers-guidance-action-plan
	A copy has been placed in the House Library.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Afghanistan

John Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to ensure that Hazara women are able to sustain their current level of education following the withdrawal of British troops from Afghanistan in 2014.

Hugh Robertson: The UK will continue supporting girls' education in Afghanistan until at least 2017 and has committed £47 million to the DFID Girls Education Challenge Fund between 2013 and 2016 to help 250,000 girls access quality schooling in Afghanistan. This approach is inclusive of all girls in Afghanistan and does not distinguish between ethnic groups. The UK also contributes to the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund, a multi-donor fund run by the World Bank which supports the Afghan Government's costs and administering of programmes, including for education.

Afghanistan

John Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the threat to the Hazara community following the withdrawal of foreign troops in Afghanistan in 2014;
	(2)  what discussions he has had with his US counterpart regarding the security of the Hazara people following the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan in 2014;
	(3)  what discussions he has had with President Karzai of Afghanistan to ensure the security of the Hazara people following the withdrawal of foreign troops from that country in 2014.

Hugh Robertson: At the Tokyo Development Conference last year, the Afghan Government made a pledge to ensure that the human rights of all Afghan people, including minorities, are protected and promoted, as enshrined in Article 22 of their Constitution. We discuss progress against commitments made at the Tokyo Conference, including on human rights, with the Afghan Government and will continue to do so with the new Government following elections next year.
	Hazaras are an integral part of Afghanistan's political and decision-making arenas. There are Hazara representatives in senior Afghan Government positions, and within both Houses of Parliament and the High Peace Council. However, as with other ethnic groups in Afghanistan, challenges remain for the Hazara community. Our British embassy Kabul staff will continue to meet Hazara community representatives to discuss minority issues.
	In June, the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), supported by the international community, took the lead responsibility for the security of all Afghan citizens. The UK will contribute £70 million per year from 2015 to help sustain the ANSF. The UK Government is in continuous discussion with the Afghan Government and International Security Afghanistan Forces counterparts, including the US, at all levels on the security situation in Afghanistan to support close cooperation on this vital issue.

British Indian Ocean Territory

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he will open discussions with the US Government on the re-negotiation of the 1966 UK-US agreement on British Indian Ocean Territory; and whether such discussions will include resettlement of Chagossians in their homeland.

Mark Simmonds: No date has been set for discussions between the UK and the US on the extension of the 1966 agreement on the British Indian Ocean Territory. Though the Government is supportive of the long-term use of Diego Garcia as a shared strategic asset for the UK and US, we do not anticipate formal discussions with the US on this issue until the review of our policy on resettlement has been concluded.

Iraq

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many staff are employed, in what capacity, at the (a) UK embassy in Baghdad and (b) UK consulate in Erbil.

Hugh Robertson: 27 UK based staff are employed at the British embassy in Baghdad. This includes the ambassador and Deputy Head of Mission. A breakdown of the capacity in which other staff are employed cannot be provided, as operational and security reasons prevent us from providing information where there are five or fewer members of staff in a role. Due to these reasons we cannot provide the number and capacity of UK based staff employed at the British Consulate General in Erbil either. 41 locally engaged staff at our embassy in Baghdad and eight locally engaged staff at our Consulate General in Erbil are employed in support and corporate service roles.

Middle East

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on a two state solution in the Middle East.

Hugh Robertson: The British Government's policy on a two state solution is that we want to see a negotiated agreement leading to a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state based on 1967 borders with agreed land swaps, with Jerusalem as the shared capital of both states, and a just, fair and agreed solution for refugees.

Sean Emmett

Gavin Shuker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department has taken to ensure the return of Sean Emmett to the UK.

Hugh Robertson: Consular officials at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and the British embassy Dubai are aware of Mr Emmett's case and continue to provide him with consular assistance. However, we cannot interfere with the local laws and legal proceedings of another country, just as we would not accept such interference in the UK's laws and legal processes.

Sri Lanka

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many reports he has received about UK citizens being detained whilst visiting Sri Lanka in the last year.

Hugo Swire: In the past year we have had 19 new cases of UK citizens being detained while visiting Sri Lanka. We have provided consular assistance to all individuals who were detained.

Sri Lanka

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many representations he has received on the Government's representation in Sri Lanka to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in December 2013.

Hugo Swire: Since the Government announced its decision to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), we have explained our position whenever we have been asked to do so. We have discussed and corresponded on the matter with hon. and right hon. Members and others including the media, civil society organisations and individual members of the public further, I have explained our position to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Commonwealth. We do not keep a total of all these types of representations.
	We continue to urge Sri Lanka to make progress on human rights concerns and on the implementation of Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission recommendations, which Sri Lanka set up in 2010, and to allow unrestricted freedom of movement for Commonwealth Heads, media and non-governmental organisations attending CHOGM in November. We will support and welcome concrete progress. Equally, we will not hesitate to highlight negative developments or lack of progress against commitments.

HEALTH

Abortion

Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what steps his Department takes to ensure that certification for abortion on the grounds of risk to the woman's mental health is evidence-based;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the implications of the findings of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges in paragraph 5.5 of its report on induced abortion and mental health, published in December 2011, that when a woman has an unwanted pregnancy, rates of mental health problems will be largely unaffected whether she has an abortion or goes on to give birth, for the interpretation by practitioners of ground C in the certification of abortions.

Jane Ellison: The chief medical officer (CMO) wrote to all doctors on 23 February 2012 to remind all those involved in providing and commissioning treatment for termination of pregnancy of the need to fully comply with all the requirements of the Abortion Act 1967 (the Act).
	The letter highlighted that:
	“a pregnancy may only be terminated if two registered medical practitioners have certified that they are of the opinion, formed in good faith, that at least one and the same ground for abortion in section 1(1) of the Act exists. The certification takes place in the light of their clinical judgement of all the particular circumstances of the individual case. If there is evidence that either certifying doctor has not formed the opinion in good faith, then the doctor performing the termination is not protected by section 1(1) of the Act and has potentially committed a criminal offence by terminating the pregnancy. It is also possible that the doctor could be acting contrary to their professional duties.”
	Further guidance will be issued by CMO shortly.
	The findings of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges are an interesting, though not conclusive, addition to the scientific literature around abortion. The report itself recognises that there is substantial limitations to the review, and there are great difficulties in carrying out research in this area. Furthermore, the conclusions are based on research that includes mental health outcomes for women denied an abortion of an unwanted pregnancy or those unable to access abortion. Therefore, while doctors may be aware of this report, they must still make decisions based on their clinical knowledge and the case in front of them.

Accident and Emergency Departments: Crimes of Violence

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many accident and emergency staff in hospitals in each region were assaulted while on duty in each of the last three years.

Daniel Poulter: The information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	Information on the number of reported physical assaults against national health service staff in England for the last three years is contained in the documents ‘Tables showing the number of reported physical assaults on NHS staff in 2009-10, broken down by NHS trust/PCT’ and ‘Tables showing the number of reported physical assaults on NHS staff in 2010-11, broken down by NHS trust/PCT’, which have already been placed in the Library and in the document ‘Tables showing the number of reported physical assaults on NHS staff in 2011-12, broken down by NHS trust/PCT’ which has been placed in the Library.
	This information in these tables does not indicate the professional category of staff, the Department where they work or whether they were on duty or not at the time of the reported assault. The information is not grouped by region.
	A summary of the number of reported physical assaults against NHS staff in acute and foundation trusts in England for the last three years for which information is available is in the following table:
	
		
			  Number 
			 2009-10 13,219 
			 2010-11 13,436 
			 2011-12 15,536

Mental Illness

Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he has taken to reduce the stigmas associated with mental health issues since 2010.

Norman Lamb: The Department is funding the Time to Change campaign with up to £16 million between 2011-12 and 2014-15. Time to Change is a vitally important campaign to change attitudes, and behaviour towards mental health and people with mental health problems. The Time to Change programme works to support and empower people to talk about their mental health problems and to tackle the discrimination they face.
	The funding will allow Time to Change to reach 29 million members of the public and increase the confidence of 100,000 people with mental health problems to challenge stigma and discrimination.

NHS 111

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what quality and performance standards are in place for the NHS 111 Service; and whether it has met them in (a) London and (b) Brent;
	(2)  with respect to the service specification metrics of the NHS 111 Service, how many calls have not been (a) answered, (b) referred to a clinician or trained nurse within the appropriate timescale or (c) in receipt of a call-back from an appropriate clinician within 10 minutes to date.

Jane Ellison: There are two national Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for NHS 111—(i) over 95% calls answered in under 60 seconds, and (ii) under 5% calls abandoned after 30 seconds. Local commissioners are responsible for performance management of NHS 111 services, and set their own performance targets for services.
	Brent is part of the North West London NHS 111 Service. Data up to and including August 2013 for the two KPIs is shown in the following table:
	
		
			 Percentage 
			  Calls answered in under 60 seconds (KPI >95%) Calls abandoned after 30 seconds (KPI <5%) 
			 North West London 97 1 
			 London 92 2 
		
	
	Data on calls that have not been (a) answered, (b) referred to a clinician or trained nurse within the appropriate time scale or (c) in receipt of a call-back from an appropriate clinician within 10 minutes to date, is not available in the format requested. Data that is available (covering the whole of England) is displayed in the following table, up to and including August 2013:
	
		
			  Percentage 
			 Unanswered calls (after 30 seconds of waiting) 2 
			 Not in receipt of a call back within 10 minutes (1, 2)3.84 
			 (1) Of all calls. (2) 23% of calls to NHS 111 are referred to clinicians within the NHS 111 service. Of these, 31% require a call back, of which 46% take place within 10 minutes.

Social Services

David Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether his Department has had discussions with commissioners and providers of social care services regarding procurement practices and the effectiveness of 15-minute social care visits.

Norman Lamb: The Department has had significant contact with both commissioners and providers of adult social care as part of consultation on the White Paper ‘Caring for our Future’ and as part of wider stakeholder engagement about the Care Bill currently being considered by Parliament.
	We recognise that there is concern about very short care visits to people's homes, and believe that 15 minute care visits are in most cases incompatible with high quality care. However, there may be certain circumstances where a short visit is appropriate, for example, checking that someone has taken their medication.
	The Care Bill sets out a new duty on local authorities to promote diversity, quality and sustainability of local care services to meet the needs of local people. This will require local authorities to consider the impact of their commissioning decisions on the quality of the services that people receive. Following debate at Committee Stage in the House of Lords, we have amended the Bill to clarify that local authorities must consider, in making commissioning decisions, the importance of promoting individuals' wellbeing. This amendment sends a clear message to local authorities, on the face of the Bill, that commissioning services without properly considering the impact on individuals' wellbeing is unacceptable.
	The Department will work with stakeholders to produce statutory guidance about this issue, and is working with the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services to develop standards for commissioning that will support continuous improvement in commissioning practices.

Social Services

Liz Kendall: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the interest on the Government's deferred payment agreements will count towards the cap on social care costs introduced by the Care Bill.

Norman Lamb: Interest on deferred payment agreements will not count towards the cap on care costs. As set out in the Care Bill and the consultation on funding reform, the cap provides people, including those who make use of deferred payments, with protection from the unlimited care costs they currently face. The interest rate on deferred payments will be subject to regulations to ensure that it is affordable.
	The total cost of meeting a person's eligible needs—whether this is met by the individual the local authority or both—will count towards the cap. This amount will be calculated on the basis of what it costs or would cost the local authority to meet the individual's eligible as set out in the personal budget or independent personal budget.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Afghanistan: Women's Rights

Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress her Department has made on its projects promoting women’s rights and empowerment in Afghanistan.

Justine Greening: DFID's programmes to promote women's rights in Afghanistan, including strengthening civil society, increasing women's political participation and getting more girls into school, will support their empowerment in Afghanistan now and in future generations.

Cyclone Phailin

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the impact of Cyclone Phailin in India; and if she will make a statement.

Alan Duncan: I was in India last week immediately after the cyclone. Thanks to the prompt action of the Government there, nearly a million people were moved to safety in the 48 hours before the cyclone struck. Only 44 people died compared with 10,000 in 1999. The next challenge, however, is the problem of destroyed homes and livelihoods.

Arab Partnership Economic Facility

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much has been disbursed from the budget of her Department’s Arab Partnership economic facility to date.

Alan Duncan: DFID has so far spent £36 million of the £70 million allocated to the Arab Partnership Economic Facility, focusing on Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia.

Humanitarian Emergency: Protection of Women

Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department is taking to ensure that girls and women are protected in humanitarian emergencies.

Justine Greening: The Call to Action I launched in March aims to ensure that women and girls are protected from violence from the outset of a humanitarian emergency—whether a natural disaster or a conflict. I am convening a high level meeting of Governments and humanitarian leaders on 13 November to drive commitment to these life-saving issues from the first phase of an emergency.

Ending Aid Dependency

Jake Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the contribution of economic development to ending aid dependency.

Justine Greening: Economic development is fundamental to poverty reduction. It creates jobs and raises incomes. It gives developing-country Governments the resources to provide for the welfare of their own citizens. Economic development is the only long-term option that has enabled people and countries to escape from poverty.

Women's Literacy

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department is taking to improve women’s literacy in developing countries.

Justine Greening: DFID’s approach to tackling women’s literacy in the countries where we work involves, where appropriate, investing in programmes that include a focus on the empowerment of marginalised groups and prioritising quality basic education for all so that fewer children become illiterate adults.

Misuse of Aid

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department makes of the likelihood of corruption in recipient countries when apportioning financial aid.

Justine Greening: DFID conducts detailed analyses of fiduciary risk and corruption before providing financial aid. A commitment to fighting corruption is one of the UK’s partnership principles, and financial aid is only provided when there is robust evidence that funding will be used for the purpose intended.

Burma

David Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what funding is allocated to multi-faith initiatives and for preventing communal violence in Burma.

Alan Duncan: DFID does not have any specific programmes which promote inter-faith and religious tolerance in Burma, however the Department is working with a range of partners, including faith-based organisations, to support peace and reconciliation. Through the British embassy's small grants programme, the UK is funding an initiative in Northern Shan state to promote a better understanding of different religions and respect for human rights. The UK Government encourages the Burmese Government to do all that it can to reduce inter-communal tensions.

Syria

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent assessment she has made of the viability of the humanitarian situation in Syria's neighbours and the flow of refugees into those countries.

Justine Greening: Two thirds of the refugees currently in neighbouring countries have fled Syria since the start of 2013. The UN predicts there will be over 1 million refugees in Lebanon alone by the end of the year—roughly a two-fold increase since July. This is putting neighbouring countries are under increasing pressure and we recognise their generosity in keeping their borders open. It is essential that the international community steps up to deliver essential humanitarian and development support to these refugees and the host communities.

Syria

Robert Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much of her Department's funding for the Syria emergency is currently being used for (a) gender-based violence prevention, (b) gender-based violence case management and (c) sexual and reproductive health in (i) Syria and (ii) neighbouring countries.

Justine Greening: In Syria and the region, the UK is providing £500 million to meet urgent needs, targeting the most vulnerable people affected by the Syria crisis, including girls and women and survivors of sexual and gender based violence. It is not possible to detail accurately the overall amount of funding that has gone to these activities as in most cases they are integrated within wider programmes providing health-care, livelihoods support and protection.
	As an example, DFID is providing £10 million to one partner to provide a wide-range of support in Syria and the neighbouring countries including a strong focus on the prevention and case-management of gender based violence. In addition, DFID has provided £1.6 million to another partner to provide clinical care, psychosocial support, case management and financial assistance for some 12,000 Syrian refugees in Jordan, including girls and women who have experienced gender based violence.